Trump: EU allowing Canada as associate member could be "a hostile act"
President Trump said Washington could introduce serious tariffs or halt trade with Europe if an EU decision to accept Canada as an associate member is made with hostile intent.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that allowing Canada to become an associate member of the European Union could be viewed as "a hostile act" and threatened to respond with new tariffs on the bloc.
Trump said: "If they do that, I consider it a totally hostile act I will impose very serious tariffs or I will stop trade with Europe on many products. So, if they do that — if Europe does it with bad intent, if it is with good intent, then it is fine. But, if it is with bad intent we will impose very high tariffs," the U.S. president said.
He framed the possible move as one that might demand a strong commercial reaction from Washington, saying tariffs or widespread trade restrictions are options if the EU's action is undertaken with unfriendly intent.
Implications for transatlantic trade
Trump's remarks link a diplomatic decision over EU membership status with concrete trade consequences, signalling a willingness to use tariffs as leverage in political disputes. He specifically warned that harm to U.S. interests could prompt tariffs or interruptions to trade in a range of goods.
The comments also highlighted an unusual geographic argument: "With six thousand kilometres of air distance, Canada invited as an associate member of the EU?!" — a rhetorical observation questioning the proposal's logic and reach.
The statement follows a reported proposal to grant Canada an associate role in the EU; Trump presented that possibility as potentially provocative and said Washington would react depending on whether the move was made in "good intent" or with hostility.
Photo: press material from the event
